An Experimental Brain Missile Wound: Ascertaining Pathophysiology and evaluating Treatments to Lower Mortality and Morbidity

Abstract

We evaluated mechanical and chemical regulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) following a missile wound to the brain in pentobarbital anesthetized cats. Blood flow was measured by microspheres in more than 25 brain areas including brain immediately adjacent to the missile wound track. After wounding both mechanical and chemical regulation of CBF were greatly impaired. Brain about the missile track was most severely affected. Once ischemic from hemorrhagic hypotension, the wounded brain could not be refused despite restoration of mean arterial blood pressure. Brain wounded animals thus exhibited refusion failure. Following wounding, test animals demonstrated very substantial, but brief, increases in plasma catecholamines. After brain wounding, animals had significant decrements in behavior which gradually recovered up to 30-45 days post-wounding. Some post-wounding defects persisted permanently. We have perfected a model to test drugs to try and improve neurologic recovery after brain wounding.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 27, 1989
Accession Number
ADA214442

Entities

People

  • Dan Torbati
  • J. B. Farrell
  • Joseph Soblosky
  • June Davidson
  • Michael E. Carey

Organizations

  • LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Animals
  • Arachnoid
  • Arteries
  • Blood
  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Brain
  • Brain Injuries
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Cells
  • Cerebral Edema
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders
  • Chemistry
  • Hemorrhagic Shock
  • Laboratory Animals
  • Veins

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Trauma Surgery or Emergency Medicine.